The black cutworm is an occasional pest of corn, yet it deserves our attention because of its potential for causing economic damage. Significant flights of black cutworm adults (moths) entered Iowa during April 19-21 and were caught in pheromone traps. From these catches we can predict first cutting of corn. Black cutworms require 300 degree days (base 50°F) for larvae to be large enough to cut corn plants (which is about the length of a dime). So by calculating cutworm hatch and development over time, we can anticipate when to look for damage.